Study abroad students have to appear for an English proficiency test such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to pursue English-taught programs. However, if you want a student visa to study in the UK, you will have to appear for IELTS for UKVI. So if you have questions such as what exactly the exam is all about, how different it is from the original IELTS, and how to register, this guide is for you.

Key Highlights:

• What is IELTS UKVI?
• Some fantastic benefits of IELTS for UKVI
• UKVI IELTS: Key Highlights
• UKVI exam pattern
• IELTS UKVI registration
• UKVI IELTS fees
• UKVI IELTS exam date
• UKVI IELTS result
• Can I get a UK student visa without IELTS?
• Can I get an education loan for study abroad programs?

What is IELTS UKVI?
IELTS is an English language test taken by students to prove that they can understand English-taught courses. IELTS UKVI follows the same pattern, duration and content as the IELTS. However, the only difference between IELTS and UKVI IELTS is that UK Government Home Office approves the latter to study in the UK. The full form of UKVI is United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI). So, IELTS for UKVI means an IELTS exam to apply for a study visa in the UK.
Since the UKVI IELTS is similar to IELTS, the level of difficulty is the same too. After you appear for this exam, your result will specifically mention that you have taken the exam at an approved test centre for UKVI IELTS. If you want to pursue a master’s or PhD course, you need to appear for this test. UKVI IELTS Academic test is specifically designed for higher education.
Some fantastic benefits of IELTS for UKVI

• You get to choose from 1,000+ test centres located across the globe
• Since the UK government approves it, it ensures a seamless visa application process.
• For any reason, if students don’t clear this test, they can opt for a pre-sessional English language program in the UK. This course is designed to improve English skills.

Managing authorities	The British Council, IDP IELTS Australia Cambridge English
Skills tested	Reading Writing Speaking Listening
Band score	According to the official IDP website, the minimum band score is set by your chosen university. IELTS does not prescribe any band score.
Total duration	2 hours and 45 minutes

 

You can choose between IELTS on paper and the IELTS on computer.

Listening	4 sections, time: 30 minutes This section aims to gauge your understanding of the speaker’s main ideas, opinions and attitudes.
Reading	3 long texts, 40 questions, time: 60 minutes Your ability to understand the writer’s view, headings, sentences, summary, notes, etc., will be evaluated.
Writing	2 tasks, time: 60 minutes You will be given graphs, tables and charts and expected to decipher the information. Essay writing will be a part of this section.
Speaking	3 sections, time: 11-15 minutes You have to introduce yourself You are expected to speak on any given topic for 2 minutes

 

IELTS UKVI registration

• Before applying, keep your Photo ID, such as your passport, ready.
• For higher education, select the UKVI IELTS Academic test from the options available on the official IELTS website.
• Register and pay the registration fees
• Download the application form, fill it and submit it at the test centre.

UKVI IELTS fees
UKVI exam fees to be paid when applying for the exam are INR 16,500. UKVI IELTS exam fees are to be paid online, and if a student is a minor, their parent has to complete the payment procedure. 

UKVI IELTS exam date
Although this test is available all year, UKVI IELTS test dates will largely depend on the location you are applying from, so plan accordingly.

UKVI IELTS result
IELTS UKVI results will be available 13 days after you appear for the exam at the test centre. If you have opted for IELTS on computer, you can expect the results to be out in 3-5 days. You also have the option to share the score directly with shortlisted universities at an extra charge.

Can I get a UK student visa without IELTS?
If your university provides you with a certificate stating that you are eligible to get a student visa to study in the UK without IELTS, you can get the UK student visa without appearing for IELTS.

Can I get an education loan for study abroad programs?
Many students prefer student loans to fund their education independently without dipping into their family savings. Education loans are specifically designed to cover major expenses that you may incur when studying overseas. In fact, at Avanse Financial Services, we offer student loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, cost of learning devices, travelling costs and other education-related expenses.
If you have queries related to the application & documentation process, education loan rate of interest, etc., please feel free to contact us. We will be glad to partner with you on your academic journey.